CityView Magazine

44 June 2022 'Build your own' Archway Burgers, Dogs and Beer welcomes the hungry crowds in downtown Fayetteville BY JANET GIBSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY BURNHAM GOOD EATS W ho knew that a runny fried egg on a burger could be life-changing? One bite of the creation — with melted cheddar cheese, chipotle mayo, pickles and onions on a toasted, buttered bun — and you're in hamburger heaven. You really can "have it your way" at Archway Burgers, Dogs and Beer. Fried egg and all. Runny or hard yoke. Or ditch the egg and slide on some crispy bacon or beer onions sauteed in brown ale. Or fried green tomatoes. Or what else? e list of possibilities is tantalizing at this popular burger joint where folks have been known to line up before the doors open at 11 a.m. six days a week. Located in one of downtown Fayetteville's historic landmarks — Archway on the Commons, circa 1850 — the dining room is snug with only eight tables. But there's additional seating on an outdoor patio and under the archway. Many orders are to go. Stepping into the restaurant, you grab a paper pad, tear off a menu, borrow a little No. 2 pencil, and make your choices. Stake your place in line and hand your order to the cashier, and your name will be called when it's ready. Start with a single or double "smashed" burger on a bun ($5.50 and $7.50), or choose a bowl if you're carb-conscious ($7.50). Other choices are all-beef hot dogs ($3) and BLTs ($5.50). Courtney and Peter 'P.J.' Zahran opened Archway Burgers, Dogs and Beer in 2019. The menu includes customized burgers, burger bowls, all-beef hot dogs, beer-battered fries and beer onions sauteed in brown ale. "We have an up-and-coming food scene on Person Street. We all help each other out, and we all want each other to succeed." – P.J. Zahran, co-owner of Archway Burgers, Dogs and Beer Check the boxes on your order slip for free stuff — ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, hot sauce, even pickled okra and more. Toss in a quarter each for tomato, house-made coleslaw, relish, jalapeños, sauerkraut and other toppers. Fiy cents each will get you American or cheddar cheese; house-made pimiento cheese and mac-and-cheese; beer onions and the game-changing fried egg. For a buck extra, choose bacon or a fried green tomato. If meat isn't your thing, there's the option of a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar or pimento cheese on sourdough bread. Side orders include mac-and-cheese and pasta salad. With just the right amount of crispness, the beer-battered fries are a must ($2.50). If

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